Google Nexus 5 India launch: Everything you need to know

As we have already reported Google Nexus 5 is finally available in the Indian market. Google earlier today started selling the smartphone on Google Play with shipping times varying around 1-2 days. In this report, we will be talking about everything that you need to know about Nexus 5 and its availability in the country.

Q: From where can I purchase Nexus 5 in India?

A: Google Nexus 5 is available both at Google Play and in open market. Head over to this link to buy Nexus 5 from Google Play, or contact your nearest mobile retailer/ LG shoppe to buy the phone from a store.

Q: What is Nexus 5 price and how many storage variants are available in the country?

A: There is a slight difference in the Google Play and open market price of Nexus 5 right now. While Google Play is selling Nexus 5 (16GB) for INR 28,999 & Nexus 5 (32GB) for INR 32,999, LG will be retailing the phone for INR 29,999 (16GB) in the open market. As per the information we have received so far, only 16GB version will be sold by LG in the open market. The company might release 32GB version in the future but initially only 16GB version will be sold. The company is doing the same in many other Asian markets.

Q: What is the stock status of Nexus 5 in the country?

A: As per the shipment import data, LG has imported the following number of Nexus 5 units for launch in the country. The company will be importing more units in the coming weeks but right now, only the given numbers of Nexus 5 units are available in the country.

Nexus 5 (16GB) White version – For sale in Google Play: 1350 units

Nexus 5 (16GB) Black version – For sale in Google Play: 1350 units

Nexus 5 (32GB) White version – For sale in Google Play: 1650 units

Nexus 5 (32GB) Black version – For sale in Google Play: 1700 units

Nexus 5 (16GB) White version – For sale in open market: 1500 units

Nexus 5 (16GB) Black version – For sale in open market: 3500 units

Q: What do I need to purchase Nexus 5 from Google Play and are there any EMI schemes or instalment options?

A: You will need a credit card with India billing address to purchase Nexus 5 from Google Play. As far as we know Debit cards do not work, if you get lucky, good for you. There are no EMI schemes or instalment options in Google Play; you will have to pay the full amount via your credit card immediately to purchase the phone.

Q: How much time will it take for Nexus 5 shipment to reach me?

A: Although Google is showing 1-2 days for Nexus 5 to leave warehouse, the order receipt notes that actual shipping date to be November 24. So, if you are living in a tier 1 city, you will most probably get your Nexus 5 as early as November 25 or 26. Tier 2 city shipment can take a day more and so on.

Q: Are there any shipping charges or VAT for Nexus 5 purchase from Google Play?

A: As far as Google Play purchases are concerned, the listed price in India includes everything like shipping costs and taxes. So, you won’t have to pay anything more. Some states charge OCTROI or other local taxes, you might have to pay them but we are not sure about them at this point. If you have any experience with this, let us know in comments.

Q: Will 4G LTE support present in Nexus 5 work in India?

A: No, the 4G technology & bands present in Nexus 5 don’t support TD-LTE, which is being used by majority of Indian telecom operators. So, you won’t be able to use LTE on Nexus 5 in India.

Q: Are there any official accessories available with Nexus 5 in the country?

A: Google will be selling bumper case and quickcover via Google Play. The company might even release wireless charger in the future but there is no confirmation right now. You can read more on the accessories here.

Update: Q: Does Nexus 5 come with headsets in the box?

A: As the first Nexus 5 order have started reaching consumers, one of our readers Kush has let us know that Nexus 5 indeed comes with headsets in the box in India. Here is the photographic proof.

Feel free to drop any more questions in the comments and I will try to answer them..

One of the XDA member quoted this reply from Google when he contacted them for headphone query.

“Thank you for contacting Google. It was my pleasure assisting you today. As per our telephonic conversation I would like to inform you that earphones are included as in-box accessories along with Nexus 5.

If there is anything further we can assist you with, please feel free to reply directly to this email or visit our help center.”

Hii, you are owner of N5, plz suggest if any lag u found, i ‘m planning to buy it. Is speaker volume is too low? Is it unable to make the ringtone hearable? How are camera and battery backup? Should i buy?

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Kush VarmaDecember 2, 2013

not exactly any lagging in nexus 5, though android 4.4 is new so some applications shuts, which is app fault not the phone’s. speaker volume is audible, not that low that people are saying, though earphones are good. Ringtones can be heard easily. U don’t want a Chinese with 2-3 speakers and loud and irritating sound. volume is pleasant. Battery backup is like any other 28-35K phones. i have galaxy s4, both give me a day battery with normal usages. And YES YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY BUY. its worth the amount you are paying. i like the look much better than GS4, specially the back of phone is great. its handy.

i am so happy that stocks ran out so soon… Google were probably experimenting to find out the number of potential customers… seeing the stocks run out this fast, we can expect google taking the indian market more seriously now…

I have asked my friend to bring N5 32GB from US
my question is whether the phone would charge properly in India.
like voltage wise

The travel adapter varies by country or region.
Use only the travel adapter and micro USB cable that come with your Nexus 5.
Using a different travel adapter or cable may damage your phone.
The input voltage range between the wall outlet and this travel adapter is AC 100V– 240V, and the travel adapter’s output voltage is DC 5V, 1.2A.

The travel adapter varies by country or region.
Use only the travel adapter and micro USB cable that come with your Nexus 5. Using a different travel adapter or cable may damage your phone.
The input voltage range between the wall outlet and this travel adapter is AC 100V– 240V, and the travel adapter’s output voltage is DC 5V, 1.2A.

I want to ask that i have read that d820 us version will not work on 4g in india but the launched indian version is d821 and still people are saying this will also not work on 4g in india it means both d820 and d821 will not work with 4g , it is ridicolous so if 4g will launch in some time we have to buy another phone for 4g in india … plz reply soon

Hey guys!!
Pls help me .. i really want this phone but m jst curious about its camera and speaker volume .. pls help if anyone has had handson xperience with N5 … pls suggest what is the real deal with N5 camera and speaker

it’s coming with 1 year LG india warranty and 6 months on accessories….

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AnkurJanuary 17, 2014

Even if you buy it from playstore, you will get one year warranty from Google. You need to dial a toll free number – 1800 108 8485 and if customer care won’t be able to resolve your issue, they will replace your handset.

My brother is gonna buy a Nexus5 for me from US Playstore.I’m from india.Will it work in india?.Will it support indian carriers like Airtel,Idea,Bsnl etc.Is it unlocked or locked phone?.Kindly reply me as soon as possible….

I broke my nexus 5 screen, it got broke by placing a phone hard on a glass shelf, i bought from a retailer in India in Feb, 2014. Will the insurance policy of LG or warranty covers this or not?
Will google replace it or not ?

I have Nexus 5 D821 and i can use LTE in my phone although Airtel guys saying that they have deployed TD-LTE(2300mhz) only and people says that Nexus does not support this band. Not sure how can i access LTE i have tried to switch it on LTE only network and found it working.
Not sure whether Nexus has flaw or Airtel guys are lying but anyway i m happy as LTE is working.